William Randall, a solicitor in Bridgend, played four times for Glamorganshire between 1868 and 1873.
The son of John Randall, the Land Agent for the Dunraven Estate, went to Winchester College where he played for the cricket XI and was captain of football in 1866/67. In his final year at the famous public school, he made his debut in a major cricket match as he played for the Gentlemen of South Wales against the Players at The Gnoll in Neath. Opening the batting, the youngster made 11 and 2.
He continued his studies at Jesus College, Oxford and made his Glamorganshire debut on 24 June 1868 in the match against Breconshire. Two days later, the law student was involved in the East v West match at Merthyr Mawr House as the cream of amateur talent in the county took part in a game at the home of John Nicholl, the MP for Cardiff. However, William failed to score in his only innings in the game.
William subsequently appeared in three further matches for Glamorganshire, all at Cardiff Arms Park. In 1870 he played against West Gloucestershire, scoring 0 and 2 before making an unbeaten 78 in the game with Herefordshire in 1871. His final appearance came in the contes with Breconshire in 1873 with William making 3 and 19.
After qualifying as a solicitor, William was articled to Strick and Bellingham in Swansea, where he played a role in the early years of the Swansea football club, playing either by association or rugby rules. In 1874 he set up his own practice in Bridgend and worked there for the next fifty years, besides succeeding his father as Agent to the Dunraven Estate. He was also the founder member and Hon. Secretary of Southerndown Golf Club.
RANDALL, William Richard
Born: Nolton Court, Bridgend, 8 May 1849.
Died: Bridgend, 27 January 1930.